Everyone returned to their seats while Lady Wilson walked onto the stage with Claire.
She put on a gentle smile and said, “I'm truly sorry for what happened earlier. I made a mistake. In fact, Claire is an outstanding member of our Wilson family. Thanks to her efforts, we were able to secure such a lucrative contract with the Emgrand Group. She worked extremely hard to achieve this accomplishment.”
Standing beside them, Doris glanced at the old woman with contempt.
Claire hadn't merely made an effort for the project—she had secured it entirely through her own abilities.
Lady Wilson's behavior was clearly shameless, but everyone was accustomed to it. Given the Emgrand Group's position in Aurouss Hilll, even if Doris slapped Lady Wilson right there, the old woman wouldn't dare complain.
Lady Wilson quickly nodded.
“Yes, Miss Young is absolutely right. Claire deserves all the credit for her efforts. From now on, she will be the director of the Wilson Group, and she will be fully responsible for the project between the Wilson Group and the Emgrand Group!”
Doris smiled and shook Claire's hand.
“I look forward to working with you.”
Claire was still in a daze. She could only nod in confusion.
Thunderous applause filled the banquet hall.
Everyone looked at Claire with admiration and curiosity.
What kind of background did this woman have?
How had she managed to make the Emgrand Group so determined to support her?
Claire was just as confused as everyone else.
She turned toward Charlie.
Once again, his earlier words echoed in her mind.
The situation was unfolding exactly as he had predicted.
Her grandmother had appointed her as director—the position that should have belonged to her from the beginning.
Claire remained confused even after the banquet ended and they returned home.
As she recalled everything Charlie had said earlier, she couldn't help feeling that his recent behavior was becoming increasingly strange.
Overnight, Claire's name spread throughout Aurouss Hilll like wildfire.
Everyone now knew that the Wilson family had an outstanding young woman who had earned the Emgrand Group's recognition and support.
With Claire leading the family, it seemed only a matter of time before the Wilson family regained its former position.
Early the next morning, Claire woke up and hurried to the company in high spirits.
Today was her first day as director, and she was determined to do her best and make sure the project was completed successfully.
As for Charlie, after waking up, he began doing the household chores as usual.
He was about to head to the market to buy ingredients for lunch when his phone suddenly rang.
It was Elaine, his mother-in-law.
As soon as he answered, Elaine's anxious voice rang loudly through the phone.
“Charlie! I need you to come to Pinnacle Avenue within ten minutes! If you don't, just wait until I get home!”
She hung up before giving him a chance to respond.
Charlie was confused.
He didn't dare ignore Elaine, so he hurriedly left the house.
As soon as he arrived, he saw a group of elderly people surrounding the entrance of a closed insurance company, shouting angrily.
Elaine was standing at the front of the group, holding a banner and yelling furiously.
“Damn you, Axel! You fraud! We want justice! Give us our money back!”
Charlie hurried forward.
“Mom, why did you call me? What's going on?”
Before he could get an answer, the deafening protest erupted around him again.
The elderly protesters were shouting at the top of their lungs. They were so loud that Charlie wondered whether his eardrums were still functioning properly.
Elaine grabbed Charlie and pulled him toward the front of the crowd.
Then she handed him her place and ordered him,
“Come on! Shout these slogans for me! I've been shouting all morning, and my throat hurts!”